The big winger, signed as a free agent this summer, has impressed his teammates with his passing, including a perfect center pass that led to a Damien Brunner goal tonight against the Flyers.

“Zaj and Clowe made two really nice passes. I just went hard to the net and put my stick on the ice,” Brunner said of his first goal for the Devils.

Coach Pete DeBoer said it shouldn’t be surprising that Clowe has the ability to create chances.

“In San Jose he always played with good players. If you’re going to play on the wing with Joe Thornton or Patrick Marleau, you have to be able to make a play,” DeBoer pointed out. “For a big man he can do that. That’s why he’s good on the power play.”

The Clowe-Travis Zajac-Brunner line looks like a winner, but DeBoer isn’t sure he’s going to keep it together.

“I don’t know yet. We’re trying different combinations,” DeBoer said. “It’s going to depend on who we can get back healthy and who we have available to us over the next 4-5 days.”

That sounds like Jaromir Jagr might figure into the mix, not to mention the fact that Patrik Elias (a scratch tonight for maintenance) has played exceptionally well alongside Brunner.

The Devils, who lost winger David Clarkson in the offseason, like what they see in Clowe.

“He’s a good player,” Zajac said. “Big, strong. He’s got really good hands and he really can make plays. He does a lot of things well. Just the way he plays he’s going to fit in well in our system.”

The feeling is mutual.

“Trav is great to play with,” Clowe said. “He’s just so smart. He’s always in the right position supporting you. I like the way we’re playing. I like the style we play here—very aggressive, in-your-face. I’m enjoying it. I know it’s preseason but we had close to a full lineup tonight and we did what we had to do.”

Clowe also spoke highly on Brunner.

“Probably his strongest asset is his speed. He creates a lot of speed through the middle of the ice,” Clowe said. “Even on that goal when Trav gave it to me, I didn’t realize Bruns got behind him so quick. That’s his speed that beat the D-man back door. He’s very creative.”

After missing some time in camp with a lower body injury he suffered Sept. 16 against the Rangers, Clowe is pleased he has quickly found his form.

“When I got injured that first shift I was actually a little worried,” he admitted. “With the injury I just had to rest. For two or three days I wasn’t doing much. When I decided I could play I was kind of nervous.

“I have to say the last couple of games I felt really good. My legs felt really good and I’m moving my feet, all stuff I have to do as a big guy. I definitely feel I’m ready, probably the best I’ve felt in a while on the ice.”